I dare say I shall agree with you when you tell me what it is." "Well, then, Amy," Mr.Withers said seriously, "it appears to me that we cannot accept this offer for Mabel." Mrs.Withers looked a little blank.

The living was not a rich one, and assured as they had been by Mr.Penfold that he intended to provide for Mabel, they had not endeavored to lay by anything for her, and had freely dispensed their surplus income among the sick and needy of the parish.

The disappearance of the will had disappointed their hopes, and raised many anxious thoughts in Mrs.Withers' mind respecting Mabel's future, and the offer contained in the letter had therefore filled her with pleasure.

But she greatly valued her husband's judgment, and therefore only replied: "Why, dear ?" "Well, you see, wife, we are both thoroughly agreed that these ladies are depriving Mabel of the fortune Herbert Penfold left her.

They are concealing or have destroyed his will, and are at present in what we may call fraudulent possession of his property.